Catallac Offers a New Multihull Tour Option

AVALON – Afishinados Charters has added a new member to its fleet with the 50-foot Catallac power catamaran. The boat arrived at the island in June and received its Coast Guard certificate to carry 49 passengers on tours around Catalina Island this month.Catallac made the trip to Catalina from the builder’s plant in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands in May, and it has been added to the fleet to run private and open party tours out of Avalon Harbor. Capt. John King; his daughter, Kaitlin; and Adam Nelson of Avalon were aboard the boat for its 4,000-mile cruise through the Panama Canal and on to Catalina.

With its arrival and Coast Guard approval, guests can now enjoy boat’s stable ride, large decks, full-size walk-in head compartment and cozy salon with seating for 18 — including the Catallac Beer & Wine Bar. The boat also offers a spacious bridge deck for comfortable cruising and a huge foredeck for up-close-and-personal views of ocean wildlife.

Catallac is running a full schedule of tours and cruises around Catalina Island, including:

Interactive Flying Fish Tours

When: Thursday-Monday nights

What: Catallac guarantees tour-goers will see flying fish, or their next trip is free. The flying fish tour is also interactive: Guests control the lights that track the flying fish. The tour also includes a quick stop to watch sea lions chase the flying fish.

Cost: $45 per person

Sunset Cruise

When: Friday and Saturday evenings

What: The Sunset Cruise is designed as a casual affair for adults looking to experience a quiet cruise around the island — to Church Rock and back to Avalon — to watch the sunset. A cheese platter is included in this tour, and the Catallac Beer & Wine Bar is open during the tour.

Cost: $65 per person

Wildlife Eco Tour

When: Saturdays, 10 a.m.-noon

What: A tour designed for adventurers who want to get out of Avalon and get a closeup view of Catalina Island’s wildlife.

Cost: $65 per person; family discounts available

Brews Cruise

When: Saturdays, 3 p.m.

What: This party-oriented cruise includes music, cold drinks and a good time. The crew randomly chooses from many choices on the beer list and also serves up some fine box wines.

Cost: $50

Two Harbors Tour

When: Sunday mornings

What: Those looking to explore Two Harbors can take Catallac to the island’s West End. The two-hour tour from Avalon to Two Harbors focuses on the island geography and the coastal wildlife on the way. Visitors can choose to return to Avalon aboard Catallac or enjoy the day at Two Harbors and take the 3:30 p.m. Safari Bus ($32 per person) back to Avalon.

Cost: $95

Visitors can book tours by calling (310) 510-2440 or by visiting afishinados.com.